Hi Everyone,
So I tore a muscle in my foot while training for a marathon, which has turned into a prolonged injury. As a result, I've taken up swimming in order to get my exercise fix. I've known how to swim since I was very young, and have no comfort problems in the water whatsoever, but this is really the first time that I've ever attemped to swim on a regular basis for the purpose of exercise.
What I've been doing: I started swimming roughly six weeks ago. For now, I've stuck entirely to the crawl stroke, and am now swimming roughly 2500 yards/day, broken down into two sets with a 90 second break in the middle. If I don't have the time, I'll just swim a mile non-stop. I do all my workouts in an indoor pool.
Breathing: A key concern I have is over breathing technique. For the time being, I breath to the right after every stroke. I've tried alternating, which seems to be the general recommendation, but feel like I'm going to drown when turning to the left. Is this a habit that I must break, or is it alright to keep doing what I'm comfortable with. Will it curtail improvements in efficiency down the road?
Proportionality: I've heard that proportionality is a cardinal rule in swimming. So after breathing to the right, I turn my head equally to the left without lifting my head out of the water. This seems to have the effect of propelling my body forward; it feels right. However, it doesn't seem like other swimmers really do this; at least, thats how it appears to my untrained eye. Is this practice okay?
Kick Turn: Is a kick-turn something that I'm going to need to learn? Honestly, it seems like I probably should learn how just to avoid the "mini-break" that comes with a turn-around at every wall. But I figured I'd check with you guys as to what extent it is necessary.
**Training regimens: So as much as I love the crawl-stroke, my workouts are monotonous. What type of exercises should I be doing in order to (a) improve, as a new swimmer, and (b) break the monotony? As a runner, I know as well as anyone that you need to do things to change up your workouts in order to keep the workouts effective and entertaining. I just don't know how I should best go about doing this in the pool.
Music: anyone know the best way to listen to music? Should I just forget it, or is it worth buying all the water equipment I'd need?
Land workouts: Obviously, a large part of this is staying in shape. A pro is that I'll have the chance to get into a different type of shape than my running regimen would have allowed. However, I don't really know what, if anything, I should be doing outside the pool. Generally, I'll do fifty or so pushups after getting out of the pool, and a few sets of ab strengthening stuff. Anything else you guys recommend?
Elbow pain: once in a while, I'll get some pain in an elbow/shoulder. Nornmal wear and tear in the upper extremities is normal, I would assume. This pretty common for everyone else?
Thanks... I know its a lot of questions, but I would really appreciate your feedback; I'm excited about the prospect of getting into swimming, but could use some advice. Hope all is well.
lots of great swimmers only breathe to one side. Its best to be able to breathe bilaterally but not necessary. though a steady head position is important. You do not need to swing your head to the left after breathing to the right. You want as little head movement as possible. A quick sneaky breath and return your eyes to the bottom of the pool looking slightly forward with your eyes not your head.
by kick turns do you mean flip turns? I would learn them.
I've never listened to music at practice, but I might if I was doing the long swims you are doing.
If I were you I'd look for a masters program and have a coach help you out.
good luck
